Connect to vCenter Server

Click the OPEN VCENTER button to open the vSphere Client and log in to vCenter.

By default, the SDDC Management Gateway blocks traffic to all management network destinations, including vCenter, from all sources. You must add management gateway firewall rules that allow only secure traffic from trusted sources. You can use any of these connection types to connect to the SDDC vCenter:

• Configure AWS Direct Connect Between Your SDDC and On-Premises Data Center

  This option provides dedicated connectivity between your enterprise and the SDDC and can be used in conjunction with an IPsec VPN to encrypt traffic.

• Configure a VPN Connection Between Your SDDC and On-Premises Data Center

  This option provides encrypted connectivity between your enterprise and the SDDC.

• If you can't use Direct Connect or a VPN, you can access the SDDC management network over the public internet and rely on management gateway firewall rules to prevent access by untrusted sources. This option may be appropriate for some use cases but is inherently less secure than the others.

In addition to the OPEN VCENTER button, the Settings tab for your SDDC provides connection and authentication details for connecting to vCenter with the API Explorer and PowerCLI.

Procedure

1. If you have created a VPN, click the OPEN VCENTER button on the SDDC card, then click VPN.
2. If you haven’t yet created a VPN and want to connect to vCenter over the public Internet, click OPEN VCENTER button on the SDDC card, then click FIREWALL RULE.
   See Add or Modify Management Gateway Firewall Rules for information about how to create a firewall rule that allows secure access the SDDC vCenter.
3. (Optional) Open the Settings tab and select another method for connecting to vCenter.

   Option	Description
   Connect using the vSphere Client	Click the link under vSphere Client (HTML5). This connection method is identical to the OPEN VCENTER button.
   Connect to the API Explorer	Click the link under vCenter Server API Explorer. .
   Connect using PowerCLI	The cmdlet for connecting is shown under PowerCLI Connect. Click to copy the cmdlet to the clipboard.

   Default credentials for all connection methods are displayed under Authentication. Click to copy a user name or password to the clipboard.